Take Advantage of the FTA's Brexit Webinars

I doubt you need reminding, but back in June 2016, Britain voted to leave the EU. Whether you agree with this decision or not, Brexit will have massive implications on the FTA and its members. I don’t want to worry you too much, though. Rest assured that the FTA has been working alongside the Department for Transport on managing the impact Brexit will have on haulage contracts and continuously striving to support the logistics industry. In fact, no rules or penalties will change until the two-year withdrawal process is complete.

Nevertheless, it’s essential for haulage companies and freight forwarders like yourselves to stay well-informed on the impacts of leaving the EU -and the FTA is here to help! To increase awareness and understanding of Brexit’s consequences, they have been hosting webinars.

About the Webinars

Since August 2016, the FTA has provided haulage companies and freight forwarders with an online platform to discuss the implications of Brexit for the logistics industry. There is a new discussion each month with each webinar lasting roughly half-an-hour.

Why Were the Webinars Created and What is Their Purpose?

• Stay Informed and Ask Questions

You may feel overwhelmed by all the speculation and information surrounding the impact of Brexit (I know I feel a little disorientated at times) and that’s exactly why these webinars are so important. They not only explain the impact of Brexit on your company and its haulage contracts, but also provide you with the opportunity to raise your concerns and ask any questions your might have.

• Voice Your Concerns and Be Heard

To safeguard the prosperity of UK haulage contracts, the FTA is making sure that those negotiating Brexit on behalf of the logistics industry is aware of the outcome you (and other hauliers) want. The feedback you provide during these webinars, and the comments the FTA will receive in the upcoming discussions, directly shape the FTA’s strategy to lead on logistics for Brexit. It’s essential for you, your company and the industry as a whole that you take part in these webinars.

Examples of Past Webinars

In previous discussions, the FTA has covered an array of important topics relevant to haulage companies and freight forwarders, including:

• Brexit and its consequences for operators of goods vehicles in the UK
• the potential for UK-Irish trade and the options available for these haulage contracts
• how road freight transport might be impacted by changes in domestic legislation
• how Brexit could affect domestic rules

Upcoming Seminars and Their Topics

After a short 3-month break, the webinars begin again this month. The FTA aims to keep its members up-to-date with the latest Brexit developments and impacts on logistics services, haulage contracts and operators of goods vehicles across the UK and the Continent.

The new series will focus on the European Customs Union and the potential for UK-Irish trade. You can register online via the FTA website. There will be webinars on:

• July 13th from 2:30-3:30pm
• August 17th from 2:30-3:30pm
• September 13th from 11:30am-12:30pm
• October 19th from 11:30am-12:30pm
• November 14th from 11:30am-12:30pm
• December 12th from 11:30am-12:30pm

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage contracts with available drivers. Over 4,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.